A:POD was originally formed in 1997 when front man Jealous Jester hopped over the Atlantic from London England to live with his father in Minneapolis USA. JJ shortly met a crazed young man named Aaron Zilch through an ad in a local music mag. Merely just a guitarist at the time, Zilch taught JJ about programming and samples while at the same time JJ discovered a love for vocals. The duo soon had their first gig at the club 7th Street Entry’s new band night.
Early ‘98 brought new members to the band- (including JJ’s girlfriend at the time Ali- Cat) and that summer they released the cd a.. product ..of discord ‘ which put A:POD on the map. Brian Ottoson, (R.I.P.) from American Head Charge, briefly made an appearance in the roster as well.
In 1999, JJ decided to move back to England. The band’s last show was at ‘Let it Be’ Record Store. While he was away, Zilch joined American Head Charge. After 10 months JJ returned and what seemed like the end was only the beginning.
After returning from England JJ laid low. Most days were spent working on new solo material, spinning records, working with local producers and putting together his own website and independent label ‘Babyeater Recordings . In 2002 JJ released (still using the name A:POD) a split 12†record with local MN artist Noisebrothel (aka Shift), which is presently being distributed throughout the US, Europe and Japan.
In 2001 Uzi from ‘80-D’ and ‘Si6ks’ started sniffing around. The band was soon reformed with Uzi on samples and keys and the Jester on vocals. The two started playing gigs around town. As the music matured, the band grew to match their evolving sound. Mike Raukar joined on drums in October of 2002 after the break up of his band ‘Collapse’. In the summer of ‘02, Brendawg of ‘13 Dead’ joined the ranks and filled in the low end on bass. Just a week after Brendawg came on board, A:POD opened for American Head Charge at First Avenue. Dannibal, formally of Si6ks, signed up as resident guitar god in April of 2003.
A:POD has consistently gotten airplay in Mpls on 93.7FM (93X’s Loud and Local) and has played many high profile shows around the Minneapolis area, as well as making frequent appearances throughout the state as well as Wisconsin and Iowa.
